A little stripe of paint, and a whole lot more

Posted on 02/07/2013 by Melissa

I know “I’ve been too busy” is not a great excuse, but, well, I’ve been a little too busy to post an update recently. Here’s what I/we’ve been up to:

Moving into the shop…

Putting up craft paper on the windows (to add a little mystery for passersby)…

Playing dress up with mannequins…

A lot of painting…

Not just walls, but furniture too

Putting up clothing racks Transporting a display case…

And much, much more!

If you haven’t done so already, check out the store’s website, ReThreadsCville.com, and sign up for our newsletter. We’ll keep newsletter subscribers and Facebook fans updated about our opening date and other store news as it progresses. Thanks!

More photos and updates soon!

Where Do I Get My Starting Inventory?

Posted on 01/18/2013 by Melissa

Welcome to the fourth (!) post about my new store ReThreads. To learn more about the store, check out the other recent posts here, here, and here.

Every time someone learns that I am opening a reuse shop they inevitably ask one big question:

Where do you get your starting inventory?

This is by far the most common question people ask, and, in fact, it was one of the first questions I had when I was considering opening this shop. I was afraid of a Catch 22: I can’t advertise Bring me your items to consign when the store is totally empty – can I? I needed a starting inventory that was not entirely consignment-based.

Turns out, it’s not hard to acquire stuff! For me, a near-obsession with saving things from the landfill + a pickup truck = acquiring a whole lot of other people’s stuff.

I probably don’t need to tell you that there are great deals to be found at yard sales, estate sales, flea markets, and thrift stores. All of these sources have formed some of my starting inventory. But here’s an even better one: an amazing place called the Goodwill outlet store. I visited the one in Richmond, VA (they have them all over the country) for the first time a few weeks ago and went home with a nearly full pickup truck for only $77. Why so cheap? At the outlet stores they sell clothing and housewares by the pound. Since I bought more than 20 pounds of clothing (probably closer to 50 pounds) I got the rate of $1.20/lb. Housewares were about $.60/lb and books were $.25 ea. After digging through huge plastic bins of clothing, I bought everything that looked to be in good condition and potentially saleable at my store. This photo is of the huge Goodwill Outlet store – grey bins of household items visible behind one of my two overflowing shopping carts in the front of the picture.

Some other starting inventory comes from friends who have graciously offered to pass things along to me for consignment if I’m willing to take it off their hands now (rather than wait until the store opens). Sure! This way I can start the process of labeling/tracking my inventory, and I have something to put on the racks before the store opens! Then there are other people who simply give me stuff because they want to be done with it, not expecting anything in return – a most welcome donation!

There are other sources too: Craigslist for bags of children’s clothing and toys, other consignment shops for items I buy with intention to wear myself but ultimately decide it’s best if I pass it on to someone who will love it more. As of this weekend, I have yet another new source: estate sales that Mark and I are running. But that’s a whole other story – I smell another FAQ question!

No matter where I acquire things, after I bring my loot home, I clean it if it needs cleaning and pack it into a labeled box. You’ll notice that I use banana boxes – I love them for packing! Not only are they super sturdy and fit a good amount of stuff, but Mark can get all ~~he wants~~ I want for free from Trader Joe’s!

At this point, my best guess is that I have at least 50 boxes (LARGE boxes) full of starting inventory. I’ve filled up a 10×15 storage unit, in addition to our entire second bedroom (what used to be my office) at our apartment. Yeah, I’d say I’m ready to go.

Okay, enough about clothing inventory, what about clothing racks and display tables?

Ever since I put the word out that I was starting up this store, the items I needed just started coming my way. Both in terms of inventory to resell and well as store fixtures such as clothing racks, shelving, and display tables. Thanks to the power of Craigslist and right place/right time happenstance, I’ve found businesses in the process of closing down who will gladly sell me the fixtures I need at a deeply discounted price. Thus far I’ve acquired the following items used: round clothing racks, wall shelving, a shoe rack, a display counter, mannequins, fitting room curtains, a cash register, and a credit card machine. The point: My mission is about reuse. Every aspect of ReThreads reflects that.

This is a photo of my storage unit when it was only about half full. It has since become nearly impossible to even open the door without something precariously balanced falling on the unsuspecting ~~victim~~ friend I’ve roped into helping me. And I thought this size storage unit was too big at first!

Stay tuned for an upcoming post to explain how I figured out just how many clothing racks and display tables I would need for the store! You won’t want to miss it. It involves 3D design software and lots of images.

This post was made possible by you, supportive friends and family. No, I’m not getting paid to write blog posts these days, but I am gratefully accepting donations (really, advance purchases of store credit) for the marketing campaign for my new shop ReThreads.

More FAQs About ReThreads

Posted on 01/14/2013 by Melissa

Welcome to the next segment of FAQs about Melissa’s new store, ReThreads. If you missed the first set of FAQs, you can find it here.

What does the store offer the community?

I envision ReThreads being more than just a retail reuse store (I would call it a “thrift shop” but that term has associations that aren’t what I’m going for).

ReThreads will serve the community in various ways. Not only is my mission to help keep things out of the landfill, but I also want it to be a helpful and fun community space offering community message boards, hosting skill shares and workshops on repurposing items, and potentially serving as a collection place for recyclables such as corks (through ReCork Charlottesville) or an educational hub for other environmental news and activism.

Mostly, though, ReThreads will be a fun place where useful things go to find a new home.

Where will the store be located?

I have signed a lease on a storefront in a great section of Charlottesville called McIntire Plaza. It is easily accessible from all directions, just off a major roadway (250 Bypass). Not your typical strip mall, McIntire Plaza’s history as a former industrial park turned mixed-use colorful commercial community fits perfectly with the mission of ReThreads: to reuse what you’ve got. Now home to many successful anchor businesses such as C’ville Coffee, Great Harvest Bread Company, and two reuse-related antique/vintage furniture stores, the Plaza is the perfect place for ReThreads to call home.

I’ve got nearly 30 feet of full window road frontage, a front and rear entrance, ample parking and an unloading zone. I’ve got neighboring businesses that cater to my target demographic (in addition to the businesses mentioned there’s a yoga studio, a donut shop, a rock climbing gym, a framing/art studio and many more). I’ve got affordable rent and a nice property management company. Seriously, it’s perfect…

What about foot traffic in front of your store?

Okay, it’s perfect except for one small detail: there’s not a ton of foot traffic directly in front of my store. To bring people in, I need to do some major marketing campaigns, post signs and sandwich boards near the other businesses in the Plaza, and hire Mark to stand with a billboard on the highway like this guy.

I know what this letter is all about. You want money, don’t you?

With or without outside funding I am committed to launching this business in early spring 2013. Thanks to my frugal lifestyle and income from various freelance work, I have a bit of savings I’ve been using to translate my idea into brick & mortar reality. Now I am looking to you, friends, to supplement my startup funds and help kick start my new business.

Speaking of kickstarting, you may wonder why I didn’t use an online fundraising tool such as Kickstarter.org or IndieGoGo.com to raise money. The answer is: I nearly did. In fact, I had already created the text behind such a campaign before ultimately deciding against it for a number of reasons, not least of which is the fee they charge for such services: 4-9% of the funds raised. Doing it informally like this allows me to keep more of the money – after all, if you choose to donate, you’d prefer it go to me and not administrative fees, right? (For the record, PayPal only charges 2.9%, and my bank doesn’t charge me anything if you just send me a check!)

But here’s the truth: This really isn’t about the money. I’m just happy you’ve read my note/update/manifesto/FAQs thus far. During this awesome but occasionally overwhelming startup phase I’m in need of emotional support just as much – or even more – than financial. So if all you can afford is a hug from afar or an internet high-five, then I’m grateful.

What will the money be used for?

There are so many business investments and expenses in this startup phase – from rent to store fixtures to beginning inventory to business licenses – but the biggest financial need for me right now is marketing. I have confidence in my store idea, location, and implementation thus far, but now I need to tell people I’m here!

It costs about $200 per week to buy (small) ad space in the either of the most popular newspapers in town. If I want to reach people with underwriting a local radio station, that’s another $100+ per week. Add in other local newsletters and targeted Facebook and Google ad campaigns and we’re talking over $2,000 per month. Of course I don’t have to – and can’t afford to – do it all, but in order to start off with a bang I’d like to dedicate at least $3,000 to advertising over the first six weeks (based on an industry recommendation from this awesome book).

Advertising isn’t the only marketing cost, of course. There are business cards to print, fliers to post around town, and storefront signage to buy. The outside signage alone will be another approximately $2,000.

Thankfully, there is one cost I don’t need to worry about right now: I’m working with a wonderful local artist to design my logo and marketing materials who has offered to work with me entirely for store credit. Meaning: I’m able to reduce my outlay of cash up front, and create a relationship with someone fully engaged in the success of the store. Win/win!

But yeah, back to the thousands of dollars that it will take to get this ship sailing… Might you be able to help? Perhaps you would consider buying me an ad? If I can get just 25 people to chip in $30, that will buy me a 1/8^th page ad in the popular C-ville Weekly for one month. It’s a start to getting the word out, and that’s what I’m in the business of doing these days!

Thank you – for reading this, for being excited for me, and for your support!

Stay tuned for the next post where I’ll answer some of your most common questions like: Where do you get your starting inventory?, and What will the floor layout look like?

More about ReThreads, FAQ style

Posted on 01/10/2013 by Melissa

Thank you so much to those of you who have been in touch about supporting ReThreads after yesterday’s post! I’m back to share some more information about this new venture, answering some of your Frequently Asked Questions.

Okay, so what is ReThreads?

ReThreads is an eclectic and affordable reuse shop opening in Charlottesville in early spring 2013. Our goal is to offer affordable, good quality secondhand items: clothing & accessories for men, women, children, and your home. We accept items for consignment during open business hours and there is no fee to consign with us. Spread the word!

What is consignment?

ReThreads accepts items on consignment. This means you can clean out your closets, bring us good quality clean saleable items, and we’ll sell them for you. Once your item sells we’ll give you 50% of the sale price in store credit (half that if you want cash). Thanks to ReThreads, you can make space for the things that you love, and let your gently used items find a great new home! We also work with local artisans to sell reuse-related crafts on consignment.

What makes you the right person to run this shop?

I’ve been on this journey for about three months, or thirty years, depending on how you look at it.

I was raised with a strong “use what you’ve got” ethic and have developed keen resourcefulness and thrifty sensibilities. All my life I’ve loved shopping at reuse stores, and over the years I’ve made a pretty penny by buying cheap and reselling – either through consignment stores or online with Craigslist, Amazon and Ebay. I’ve helped organize “Freemeets” and regifting parties. I love stuff, but I’m not a hoarder! The difference is that I can easily let stuff go on to the next home just as easily as it came into mine. In fact, I believe that is what stuff is naturally meant to: move through the world to find the right place at the right time, and move on when it starts to feel stagnant or incompatible.

My professional background has offered me a variety of interesting work over the years, and along the way I developed business savvy and skills that I am excited to put to good use for this venture. For instance, I’ve helped many small startup businesses with low-cost marketing, event planning, and bookkeeping. I’ve run my own businesses and developed the necessary time management and multitasking skills. I’m a fast learner. I am nothing if not resourceful. And while I’m risk-averse (financially, physically, etc.), I do love a good challenge. Fulfilling my dream to be on the other side of the check-out counter is my newest challenge.

I have worked enough jobs that don’t fulfill an inner passion to know how special it is to love what you do everyday, and make a living doing it. After moving to C’ville last fall, it became obvious that I am passionate about starting a reuse shop. Those of you who know me know that once I get an idea in my mind, I am 110% committed to it. Some might call that stubborn. I prefer the term determined.

And after committing to this idea, the universe has steadily provided for me every step of the way. You say you want to run a reuse shop?, says the universe, Well then, here are some people to give you things for free; here are the keys to a storage unit; here’s a store closing down whose fixtures you can buy. And on, and on. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s get back to more questions.

I thought you were a farmer?

I loved farming in Scottsville, VA last season. I will miss growing my own food this season. But now is not the time for Mark and I to give up everything that this small city offers to own farmland far outside of town. And while I may not be tasting my own tomatoes in 2013, there are several ways in which this new business will resemble last year’s farm business:

I won’t have a desk job. I’ll be physically active during the day instead of sedentary and staring at a computer screen.
I’ll manage my own hours/be my own boss. This has been a necessity for me since I left my full time consulting job in Manhattan six years ago. Plus, I think I’m good at running the show!
I will spend a large portion of my days interacting with people. As a farmer, I loved selling at the farmers’ market because of the interactions with customers. I loved getting to know the regulars, chatting with produce buyers at the stores where we sold our items, and just being more social than most of my freelance jobs allowed.
The challenge of being an entrepreneur/figuring things out as you go/holding on for the ride. I’m in!

But do you have any retail experience?

Technically my only retail experience is as an occasional marketing consultant for a friend who ran a shop in Burlington (Hi Tracy!). I may have rung up a customer or two at the cash register when my friend was otherwise occupied, but I’m not sure that qualifies as much (or any) experience. That is to say, I acknowledge that I have a lot to learn about the ins and outs of running a retail store. But, for those of you who didn’t believe me the first time, let me say this again: I’m a fast learner. And I’m ready to approach this new challenge head on and learn everything I need to know to be successful.

Again, my farm experience is helpful here – I’ve run many successful farmers markets. Everything I’ve learned, from how to interact with customers to how to set up a display table, will be helpful in this new venture.

My first farmers’ market in Burlington in 2007

So there you have it, the answers to five frequently asked questions. More interesting and hopefully entertaining answers coming tomorrow including: What do I need money for? and How will the store help the community?

As always, I am very appreciative of any contribution amount – even $5 will help me buy store supplies!

Help Fund ReThreads & Get Store Credit!

Posted on 01/09/2013 by Melissa

Dear friends and family,

As you know, I’ve got big plans for 2013. Within the next two months I’ll be opening the doors to an eclectic and affordable reuse shop called ReThreads in my hometown of Charlottesville, VA. It’s a huge and exciting undertaking and I’m thrilled to be throwing my creative energy into it. And I’m also thrilled to tell you more about it. A lot more. Over the next several blog posts I’ll share some of the details you’ve been wanting to know about the store: my location, when it will open, the layout and design, and what inspired me in the first place. Oh, and I’ll even answer the number one question on everyone’s mind: how am I acquiring a starting inventory so that I don’t open the doors on day one with an empty store?

Before I go into all that detail, let me be frank. Starting a retail store, even for a bargain queen like me, takes a bit of money. I appreciate all the moral and emotional support friends and family like you have always provided. Now it’s time for me to do something that makes me uncomfortable: to ask for your financial support. I’ve been chipping away at my savings steadily since I first began planning this store in earnest two months ago. All signs are go for me to open my doors within six weeks, but I need some help with funding a marketing and publicity campaign. What good is an awesome shop if no one knows about it?

You’ll notice I’ve added a PayPal button to the sidebar and in this post below. If you’re in a position to contribute, I would greatly appreciate if you would consider it. I promise an upcoming post will offer more detail about exactly what the store will offer you and the community at large. And why I’m choosing this method of fundraising versus other options. So you can mull it over until I provide more detail if you’d like. But for now just trust me, this is something you want to be a part of.

Here’s the best part: despite the PayPal button label, it’s not a “donation” to me, you’re actually buying yourself store credit! To thank you for being part of the initial community of supporters – I’m offering to give you store credit for the value you contribute. While I appreciate any amount – seriously, even $5 will be helpful – I will gladly extend the store credit offer to anyone who contributes over $20. Those of you who aren’t local, which may be most of you reading this blog, will have to take this as a sign that you need to visit Charlottesville sometime after the store opens, to visit me and use your credit at ReThreads!

Much, much more detail to come in future posts. In the meantime, Thank You!

PS – If you’d like to contribute but don’t want to use PayPal (it’s free to you, but they charge me 2.9%), I’ll gladly email you my address to send a check. Send me an email.

PPS – If you’d like to contribute financially but you can’t for whatever reason, I fully understand. I also accept contribution in the form of internet high fives.

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